Closure device



July 26, 1938.

E. w. CLARK 7 2,124,763

. CLOSURE DEVICE Filed April 9, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet l 1214 A 45 a 6 //Z I I I g 6 5 I Z 15, i

I W 40 22a 4 \j 52 1 $6 25 m.

j ATTORNEYS July 26, 1938. w. CLARK 2,124,763

CLOSURE DEVICE -Filed April 9, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTOR EY Patented July 26, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT @FFMIE CLOSURE DEVICE of Delaware Application April 9, 1937, Serial No. 135,839

10 Claims.

This invention relates to a cover with self-closing lid. for a box or vault set in the ground for housing water meters, although the cover can be used for gas meter housings, as a cover for manholes and for various other closure purposes.

The box, vault or housing usually is a cylindrical vitrified tile, but it may be made of concrete, metal or other material set vertically in the ground, the top of which is slightly below the level of the ground, sidewalk or street surface.

While the invention is illustrated by a cover designed to fit a cylindrical housing, adapters may be substituted to fit square, oblong, parallelogram, elliptical or other shaped housings, using the same cover assembly.

Meter box and manhole covers now generally in use consist of circular, square or oblong rims of cast iron which rest upon the met-er box or housing at or near the ground level. A center lid is provided which rests upon a ledge flange around the inner edge of the rim. In order to read the meter the center lid is entirely removed from the opening. This type of cover is a menace to the unsuspecting members of the public, who must continually walk over or upon these covers when they are set in the sidewalks or streets because the covers do not always seat properly, particularly when dirt or gravel collects on the ledge above referred to. They are often left open by careless workmen, and frequently are removed playfully by children or maliciously by other persons. When this is done persons stepping on the edge of the inner lid not properly seated cause it to tilt allowing the foot or leg to fall through into the opening. This is a common cause of painful and distressing accidents.

Another form of cover commonly used is provided with lugs on one side of the small lid locking under the rim when the lid is closed and with a locking device on the other side which is unlocked with a key. This is inconvenient to use, because in order to read the meter it is necessary that the device be unlocked and the small lid entirely removed and laid aside.

Another type of cover is made in one piece, resting directly upon the housing. This, likewise, can easily be removed and left off, thus constituting a menace to the safety of the public. Thus, there are many disadvantages in the usual types of covers now in general use.

Another disadvantage of many of the covers heretofore available is the necessity for various sizes. Meters vary greatly in size for the same purpose as, for example, the metering of water,

and as a consequence, the size of the housing must likewise be varied in size. It is always desirable that the housing be of a size to closely receive the meter and the riser pipes which conduct the water to and from the meter. This is desirable because of the economy in excavation and material required, and also because it is desirable to reduce the amount of space in the housing to be kept warm during extremely cold weather. Therefore it can be seen that in covers of the kind heretofore available it is necessary to provide many different sizes of meter box covers, causing expense in the manufacture of the same due to the difiiculty of standardization and the necessity. of carrying larger stocks of various size covers to meet the requirements promptly upon 15? demand.

The present invention relates to a cover comprising a rim with a smaller inner lid, which cannot be entirely detached from the rim. It is so constructed that the lid cannot remain open either due to carelessness or wilfulness because it automatically closes itself. The purpose of the lid in the center is to permit the inspection or reading of the meter set in the housing. The meter must be read at frequent intervals, and, therefore, the greatest danger in meter box covers arises from the fact that the lid must be opened so frequently, thereby increasing the possibility of being left open or in a dangerous position.

By means of this invention the meter readers 0 or any one opening the lid must lift it vertically and, at the same time, revolve it to one side; this movement carries the lid from over the circular opening. As soon as released the lid automatically revolves back as it descends until exactly over the opening. It then drops vertically into place. This is accomplished by means of a circular assembly comprising preferably a pin on a vertical shaft which supports the lid, traveling down a circular inclined plane. This circular assembly may be locked, as explained later, to adapters above referred to, to fit the various sizes of housings, while the circular assembly remains the same size. In order to perform work Within the housing or remove the meter, the entire lid assembly above referred to may be removed, leaving the adapter in place on the housing. It is difiicult for any one not familiar with the construction to remove this lid assembly from the adapter as this must be done by exercising great force. It will therefore be seen that the principal and more expensive part of the cover, namely, the circular assembly above referred to, may be standardized to fit various sizes of adapters which. of course. are less expensive.

Another advantage of this type of cover is that less radiation surface is exposed at the surface of the ground than in covers in which the circular rim rests directly upon the larger size housing, and in which the entire cover and ring, being at the ground level, is exposed to the elements.

Another advantage of this type of cover is that it may be insulated on the underside with suitable insulating material, thus reducing the danger of frozen meters.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan View of a meter box cover, partly broken away to show details of the same;

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken on line II-II of Figure l with the lid in closed position;

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of the meter box cover disclosed in Figure 1; and

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on line IVIV of Figure 1, with the lid in open position.

Illustrative of one form of the invention, the drawings disclose a locking adapter consisting of a ring member 2 having a radially projecting flange 4 thereon at its base which rests on the housing. This adapter is such that it may be used in conjunction with meter boxes or manholes of the type which are sunk in the earth. The adapter 2 is preferably retained in the desired relation to the meter box or manhole with the rim 6a of the upper flange member 6 substantially flush with the surface of the earth. Suitable ribs 8 may be provided on the adapter extending between ring member 2 and flange 4 of the adapter for preventing rotation in the earth and for imparting strength to the adapter. Downwardly projecting lugs I0 may also be provided for further fixing the adapter 2. The adapter may be made of any desired size or diameter at the bottom inasmuch as different sizes are suitable for use with many different types and sizes of meter box cavities.

In order, however, to provide a closure for the meter box, standardized cover assemblies may be provided for use with varying sizes and shapes of adapters, the opening at the top of the adapter is always of the same size while the bottom may be of any larger diameter or size. The cover assembly may include an annular rim member I2 having a flange I4 overlying the flange 6 and abutting the rim Ed on the adapter to which it is locked. The flange 6 may be made of any desired width to properly receive the rim I2. The rim I2 may be made of any desirable width to produce an aperture I6 of any desired size or shape therein, although, as shown, the aperture is circular.

The rim I2 may be suitably locked in position on the adapter by means of cam lugs I8 projecting radially inwardly from the flange 6. Cooperating cam recesses 29, similar in nature to bayonet slots, may be formed in the periphery of the rim I2 between the lugs I2a whereby the lugs I8 may be engaged in the recesses 20 and the rim rotated to clamp it firmly and tightly to the adapter 2 by means of the engaging lugs I2a and I8 which form a wedge lock.

To close the aperture I6 in the rim I2 a suitable lid 22 of the proper size and shape to fit in the aperture I6 is provided. The edge 24 of the lid 22 and the face 26 of rim I2 defining the aperture I6 may be tapered in order that they may fit closely together and, acting as a guide, insure accurate closing. A flange 28 on the rim may also be provided at the lower edge of the conical surface 26 in order to aid in supporting the lid 22 at periphery 22a.

The lid 22 is movably attached to the rim I2 by a suitable means allowing an upward and lateral swinging movement of the lid 22 relative to the rim I2. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the means for connecting the lid 22 and rim I2 may consist of a shaft 36, usually a brass or steel rod, fastened in any desired manner to the lid 22 near the edge of the same. The shaft 36 is received in a hub 32 suitably fixed to the rim I2. The hub 32 consists of a tubular member having a longitudinal bore 34 therein of a size sufiicient to receive the shaft 30 closely, yet movably. The location of the shaft 30 with respect to the lid 22 is such that the weight of the lid will not bind the shaft 36 in the bore 34, thereby allowing the shaft 30 to slide freely in the bore 34 at all times and in all positions of the lid 22. In the preferred embodiment the shaft 36 is mounted on the lid 22 near the periphery of its closing edge.

Movement of the lid 22 into a position above and to one side of the rim I2 for exposing the meter to view is suitably accomplished by the provision of a cam track 36 in the hub member 32 in which is engaged a pin 38 projecting laterally from the shaft 30. The cam track 36 preferably is constructed with an upper spiral portion 49 and a lower straight portion 42 extending axially of the hub 32. This construction permits the lid 22 to be lifted in a straight line until it clears the rim I2 and then an continued lifting the movement of the pin 38 in the spiral portion 46 of the track 36 causes a rotation of the lid 22 about the axis of the shaft 3!] into a position out of alignment with the aperture IS in the rim, thereby permitting a meter to be read or inspected. The pin 38 contacting the upper portion of the track 36 effectually prevents the detachment of the lid from the rim. The meter may also be exposed by raising the lid vertically until the pin 38 reaches the curved portion 35 of the cam track. A lateral motion to the lid will then swing it aside and complete the raising operation.

Upon release of the lid 22 the pin 38 will slide down the spiral portion 49 of the cam track 36, thereby swinging the cover into axial alignment with the aperture I6 in rim I2. As the pin moves into the straight vertical position 42 of the cam track 36, the lid 22 will drop accurately into the aperture I6 in engagement with flange 28 and conical surface 26 of the rim I2. The angle of the spiral portion is such that the lid cannot be retained open except by manual exertion and as soon as the lid is freed, it will rotate and drop to closed position.

The hub member 32 may be suitably reinforced to resist the impact of the pin 38 when the lid 22 swings into alignment with the aperture I6 by means of a bridge portion 44 extending across the straight portion 42 of the cam track 36.

Provision is also made for lifting the lid 22. Means found suitable for this purpose may consist of an L-shaped recess 46 located at approximately the center of gravity of the lid 22 into which may be inserted a hook member for lifting the lid.

In order to reduce the transmission of heat from the unfrozen ground below, through the lid 22, a layer of insulating material 48 may be attached to the under surface of the lid 22 by means of a washer 50 and a screw 52. Insulation may also be applied to the rim I2.

The elements of the meter box cover assembly may be made in any desired manner, but preferably they are formed by casting. The hub member 32 and the rim l2 may be readily cast integrally through the use of a suitable mold and core box and likewise the adapter 2 and the lid 2 may be produced by simple casting operations, thus readily producing strong and rigid constructions.

Any desired type of metal may be used for producing the elements of my meter box cover, such as for example, aluminum, if a lightweight casting is desired, malleable or preferably cast iron for covers of the type suitable for large manholes.

The rim l2 is locked to the adapter 2 by means of projecting lugs l3 engaging with the lugs Hat, on the adapter, each lug having an inclined plane surface 51 so that the two engage in wedge fashion. To lock the rim to the adapter it must be revolved slightly to engage the lugs. When this has been done by hand so that they engage, they can be wedged more tightly together, or loosened with a short rod and hammer. I have therefore provided a recess 54 in the rim l2 which may be struck at one end or the other to tighten or loosen the rim and adapter respectively. This locks or releases the interlocking elements I 2a and I 8.

During extreme cold weather, moisture may accumulate and freeze in the crack at 26 between the lid 22 and rim l2, making it difficult or impossible to raise the lid 22 with a lift hook in the ordinary manner. To overcome this inconvenience, I have provided a recess or, as an alternative, a lug 56 as illustrated on lid 22, which may be struck with the short rod and hammer to break the thin film of ice holding the cover 22 in the rim l2. When this has been done the lid 22 can readily be lifted in the usual manner.

It will be understood from the foregoing description of a typical embodiment of my invention that I have produced a foolproof yet simple cover construction which may be used with any type of meter box and manhole, and one which effectually overcomes the dangers of leaving open the meter box or manhole, into which a pedestrian might step or fall and be injured.

It will further be understood that there can be many variations made in the specific construction of the closure device Without departing from the invention. Therefore the embodiment above described should be considered as illustrative only and not as limiting the scope of the fol lowing claims:

I claim:

1. In a meter box cover, the combination of an adapter and a detachable cover assembly lockable to the said adapter, said cover assembly comprising a rim, a lid, and means connecting said lid to said rim for both axial movement and lateral swinging movement relative to said rim.

2. In a meter box cover, the combination of an adapter and a cover assembly detachably connected and lockable to said adapter, said cover assembly comprising a rim, and a lid connected to said rim for axial movement relative to said rim and for simultaneous lateral swinging movement during a portion of said axial movement.

3. In a meter box cover, the combination of an adapter and a cover assembly detachably connected and lockable to said adapter, said cover assembly comprising a rim, a lid, a shaft on said lid having a laterally projecting pin thereon, and a hub on said rim having a spiral cam track thereon receiving said pin, whereby the lid simultaneously can be swung laterally and moved axially relative to said rim.

4. In a meter box cover, the combination of an adapter and a cover assembly detachably connected and lockable to said adapter, said cover assembly comprising a rim, a lid, a shaft on said lid having a laterally projecting pin thereon, a downwardly projecting hub on said rim, a cam track in said hub having a straight portion at the lower end thereof and a spiral portion at the upper end thereof for receiving said pin, whereby the lid can be moved axially away from said rim in a straight path and thereafter simultaneously swung laterally and moved axially away from the rim.

5. In a meter box cover, the combination of an adapter and a cover assembly detachably connected and lockable to said adapter, said cover assembly comprising a rim, a lid, a shaft on said lid having a laterally projecting pin thereon, a downwardly projecting hub on said rim, a cam track in said hub receiving said pin and having an upper spiral portion connected with a lower straight portion extending axially of said hub, whereby when the pin is in the spiral portion of the cam track, the weight of the lid will cause the pin to slide down the cam track and drop into said straight portion to bring the lid into engagement with the rim.

6. In a meter box cover, the combination of an annular adapter and a cover assembly detachably fitted within and lockable to said adapter, said cover assembly comprising a rim, a lid fit.- ting within said rim, a shaft carried by said lid adjacent its edge, a hub on said rim receiving said stem, a cam track in said hub having a straight and a spiral portion, a pin on said stem received in said cam track, said pin and said cam track being so related that when the lid is spaced from said rim the weight of the lid will move the lid into engagement with said rim.

7. In a meter box cover, the combination of an annular adapter forming an aperture of predetermined size therein and a cover assembly for said aperture, said cover assembly comprising an annular rim interlocking with said adapter and having an aperture therein, a lid engageable with said rim for closing said rim aperture, and means movably connecting said lid to said rim for swinging the lid out of alignment with and away from said rim when said lid is lifted, and for swinging said lid into alignment and engagement with said rim when the lid is released.

8. A meter box cover as set forth in claim 7, in which the means connecting the lid to the rim comprises a pin and cam track, said cam track consisting of an upper spiral portion and a lower straight portion extending perpendicular to the lid.

9. A meter box cover as set forth in claim 7, in which the lid is provided with a recess substantially at its center of gravity for receiving an implement for lifting said lid.

10. A meter box cover as set forth in claim '7, in which the lid is provided with a layer of insulation.

EBEN W. CLARK. 

